Are we really honest?
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Searching the Scriptures
David A. Bass, Rockford Church of Christ
Please do not be offended that I might ask the question, “Are we really honest?” In this question I am not referring to our honesty with others, but “are we really honest with ourselves” toward the truth, the Word of God.
Dear reader, are you offended by the teaching from God’s Word if it is different than what you have always believed or been taught by your parents or grandparents? Are you willing to honestly examine the teaching of God’s Word without prejudice?
The truth has nothing to hide nor anything to fear. On the other hand, tradition and the teaching of men will NOT stand under the spotlight of investigation.
What is truth? Jesus said, “Sanctify them through thy truth: your word is truth” (John 17:17).
If we believe and teach the Word of God (the truth) then we may investigate what others teach without fear that we might be wrong. But, when we believe and teach the doctrines and opinions of men we have every right to fear the searchlight of truth because it will expose our belief as that of men and not of God!
Only the truth can make us free. Jesus said, “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’” (John 8:31-32).
Shortly before His crucifixion, Jesus was asked by Pilate, “Pilate therefore said to Him, ‘Are You a king then?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.’” (John 18:37). When we refuse to listen to the truth we are refusing to hear Jesus.
Paul warned Timothy in II Timothy 4:4 that some would not listen to the truth. “And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
Are you honest, my friends? It is my prayer that you have not turned your ears from the truth and that you will “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (II Timothy 2:15).
We should never be afraid to examine what others teach if we will just compare it with the Word of God (the truth). It is God’s desire that everyone should know the truth.
Paul wrote, “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (I Timothy 2:3-4).
May I urge you to examine what you believe with what the Bible teaches! By inspiration Paul declared, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? – unless indeed you are disqualified.” (II Corinthians 13:5).
Perhaps, in writing these words, Paul recalled his days as “Saul the persecutor” when he honestly thought that he was serving God by persecuting Christians (Acts 9:4-5; I Timothy 1:13).
Are you being honest with the truth? Let’s stop believing everything that we have been told or taught in the past and begin to “Search the scriptures; for in them you think you have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39).
Would you like to study the Bible by correspondence Course (mail)? If so, simply write to the Rockford Church of Christ; 8997 U.S. Hwy. 231; Rockford, AL 35136. Visit with us on Sunday morning at 9:00 for Bible study and 10:00 for worship. Search the Scriptures!
